Final Thoughts
Returning home from Argentina to a Seattle under quarantine was not at all what I imagined for my last quarter at UW. Instead of picnics, grad parties, and running into friends in Paccar one last time, I was met with a long list of things I could not do. No classes on campus, no meeting up with friends, no spring formal, no graduation. Luckily, I live with three amazing friends who are incredibly innovative. I’m grateful for our long walks, hours cooking in the kitchen, and evenings spent coming up with creative ways to celebrate this last quarter a little extra.
Without many of my typical responsibilities, I’ve had ample time for reflection. In my very first quarter of college, I wrote about my expectations for the next four years as part of my Honors 100 curriculum:
“By the end of my time at the UW I want to feel as though I have explored more areas than just my major, including art and design. I also hope that I have taken on a variety of leadership positions that I can carry experience from into my life after college. Lastly, I hope that by the end of my time at the UW I have discovered what I want to do for my career and what I what other things are important to me and I want to incorporate into my life.”
I am pleased to say that I have gotten each of these things over the last four years, as well as so much I did not expect. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who influenced my education throughout the last four years.
Thank you to my parents, whose endless support and encouragement has allowed me to capitalize on every opportunity that has come my way. And to my brother, Dylan, for being an outstanding role model, and creating a high bar of success to strive for.
Thank you to the Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity for giving me invaluable memories and lifelong relationships. Rachel, Sanne and Trang, each one of you has proven to be an irreplaceable friend. Your passions are inspiring, and I look forward to exploring our respective new cities together.
Thank you to all the professors who invested in my education, often so much more than the time spent in a lecture, or office hours. And thank you to all the people that I had the pleasure of meeting in Rome and Argentina. You made foreign cities feel like home, and brought the energy and spontaneity of these adventures back to Seattle.
This does not even scratch the surface of the people, communities, and opportunities that have shaped my last four years. I hope to have the opportunity to express my gratitude further in the months to come. But for now, I am excited to enjoy the final days of college, and celebrate this great accomplishment before beginning my professional career this fall.
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